Which Country Produces The Most Cacao?

Cacao may have its roots in Central and South America, but today’s global supply tells a different story. One that begins in the heart of West Africa. It's home to three of the world's top five cacao producers.

Brought to African soil by European colonists in the 19th century, cacao thrives in the region’s hot, humid climate. It's home to the perfect conditions for growing cacao. So naturally, it took off: reshaping landscapes, livelihoods, and entire economies. But which country produces most cacao? 

Today, Côte d'Ivoire is the leading producer of cacao, with Ghana and Nigeria neighbouring powerhouses. Africa grows over two-thirds of the world’s cacao. It’s not just about climate ; it’s about millions of smallholder farmers, deep-rooted knowledge, and a continent that fuels the world’s chocolate cravings, bean by bean.

So who else is up there leading the charge? Let’s break down the top five cacao-producing countries, what's going on in each, and why they matter.

Top Producer Chart

1. Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

• Latest Production Estimate (2024/25 season) : ~1.8 million metric tons

• Global Share: Nearly 40% (ICCO)

Côte d’Ivoire remains the world’s largest cacao producer, a position built on its vast network of smallholder farmers and favourable growing conditions. Production has recovered slightly after poor harvests, although long-term structural challenges remain.

The sector continues to grapple with serious concerns around deforestation and labour rights. As Reuters reports, unpredictable weather and rising input costs are making recovery even tougher.

Still, progress is underway. Backed by government and industry initiatives, Côte d’Ivoire is working toward more sustainable and ethical cacao production with greater emphasis on traceability, farmer support, and climate-resilient practices.

2. Ghana

• Latest Production Estimate (2024/25): ~617,500 metric tons (Reuters)

• Global Share: ~13% (Nasdaq)

Ghana is globally recognised for producing some of the highest-quality cacao beans, prized by premium chocolate makers for their bold flavour and consistent fermentation standards.

However, Ghana’scacao sector is facing serious challenges. Illegal mining continues to encroach on cocoa farms, while CSSVD, aging tree stock, and unpredictable weather have all contributed to falling yields. The environmental pressures turn into economic ones, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers.

Despite these setbacks, Ghana remains a cornerstone of the global cacao supply chain. Efforts to boost resilience, improve disease control, and protect farmland are gaining momentum.

3. Ecuador

• Latest Production Estimate (2024/25): ~470,000 metric tons.

• Global Share: About 10% of global cocoa production.

Ecuador is the largest cacao producer in Latin America and a global leader in fine flavour cacao. The country is known for its prized Nacional cacao variety, used by many artisanal and bean-to-bar chocolate makers.

Unlike many large producers, Ecuador has focused heavily on quality, genetic diversity, and traceability. However, its industry is not without challenges. Farmers face climate-related threats, including floods and droughts, along with the spread of monilia and witches’ broom diseases.

Despite this, Ecuador’s commitment to high standards and sustainability keeps it in high demand among premium chocolate brands.

4. Nigeria

• Annual Production: ~320,000 metric tons.

• Global Share: About 7% of global cocoa production.

Nigeria stands as Africa’s third-largest cacao producer and ranks among the top five globally.

The majority of its cacao is cultivated by smallholder farmers in the southwestern states, notably Ondo, Osun, and Cross River. Despite favourable climatic conditions, the sector faces persistent challenges such as aging plantations, limited access to modern farming inputs, and inadequate infrastructure. Efforts are underway to revitalise the industry through initiatives aimed at improving yield and quality, but progress is gradual.

5. Indonesia

• Latest Production Estimate (2024/25): ~180,000 metric tons

• Global Share: Around 4% of total global cocoa production

Indonesia, once among the top three cacao producers globally, now contributes a smaller share, but it remains a significant player, especially within Asia. Most of the country’s cacao is grown on Sulawesi Island, where efforts to modernise farming practices have helpedimprove bean quality in some regions.

Despite these investments, Indonesia’s overall cacao output has been in decline. The drop is driven by a mix of aging cocoa trees, limited access to advanced farming tools, and persistent issues with pests and disease. According to Indonesia Investments, reversing this trend will require deeper support for smallholder farmers and greater focus on sustainable cultivation techniques.

These countries are helping broaden the global cacao map and offering chocolate makers new flavour profiles to explore.

Emerging Cacao Producers to Watch

New players are rising in the cacao world, adding diversity and exciting flavours to global supply chains:

• Peru and Colombia are gaining fame for specialty cacao and fine-flavour beans.

• Cameroon and Uganda are improving cacao yields with better agricultural practices.

• Philippines and Vietnam as emerging as sources of premium, fine-flavour cacao.

Key Factors That Influence Cacao Production

Cacao production estimates are not an exact science. There are plenty of factors at play that make harvests increasingly unpredictable. Some key factors that influence cacao production include:

• Climate and Weather: Stable tropical conditions are essential for cacao tree health.

• Farming Practices: Sustainable farming can enhance yields and protect ecosystems.

• Economic Stability: Investments in infrastructure and farmer training boost production.

• Market Demand: Global chocolate cravings continue to fuel cacao cultivation.

• Environmental

• Pressures: Deforestation and climate change pose ongoing threats.

In 2024 and 2025, chocolate prices reached historic highs  caused by inflation and a perfect storm of environmental factors: extreme weather linked to climate change, aggressive crop diseases, and land loss to illegal mining.

After three consecutive seasons of cocoa deficits, the market is expected to return to a surplus in the 2025/26 season. Improved harvests in several producing countries have increased global supply, causing cocoa prices to fall significantly from the record highs seen in 2024. While prices remain above historical averages, many cocoa-growing regions continue to face long-term challenges including climate change, ageing trees, disease, and farmer incomes.

WHY KNOW WHERE YOUR CHOCOLATE COMES FROM?

Knowledge about which country produces most cacao might help you win the trivia night, but it's also central to understanding the future of chocolate. Cacao farming supports millions of livelihoods, drives economies, and impacts the environment.

Consumers and chocolate companies alike are increasingly paying closer attention to ethical sourcing, fair labour practices, and sustainable farming. Choosing chocolate brands that prioritise these values can create real change for farmers and the planet.

At The Cocoa Circle, we're doing all we can to ensure better outcomes for both. By taking steps to reduce the number of middlemen taking a cut, directly supporting cocoa farmers through sustainability microprojects, and spreading awareness about conscious cocoa, we're building a movement for change that prioritises the people at the start of the supply chain.